Record Review - 2 June 06 2001

Ever since the Wu-Tang Clan first let us into their 36 Chambers, the collective’s various members have seemed more interested in dropping solo albums than furthering their own dusty, mythological legend. Enter Cappadonna, who, fittingly, made his debut on Chef Raekwon’s solo joint Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. Though Cappadonna has made few appearances on wax with the Wu, the loose association gives him credibility, which, in turn, gives him album sales.

On Cap’s sophomore effort, The Yin and the Yang, he strays from the Clan’s reach, hooking up with a few ATLiens (Jermaine Dupri, Da Brat), a few Wu-Tangers (Killah Priest, Ghostface Killah) and a few unknowns (Culture, Timbo King), to produce a record that also strays from the Wu. Though Wu mastermind RZA executive produces, Yin lacks the Wu’s born-in grit and growl.

Instead, Cappadonna finds a more Southern, bouncy feel on songs like “Shake Dat” and “We Know,” as though he’s trying to get the party started right. Alternately, a few songs veer closer to the Wu formula of addressing social ills and issues (“Supermodel,” “Revenge”). Cappadonna’s lyrical skills remain impressive, but as he bounces back and forth between genres, he ultimately shows that sometimes, finding your yin and yang isn’t as peaceful as it’s cracked up to be.

Cappadonna performs at EarthLink Live Wed., June 13.??